Different Kinds of Alphas

You know that humans do funny things that I just don’t understand. This is where I like to ask Dad questions while we’re alone in the truck. This morning I asked why Mom always drops the human puppies off and then goes to her day kennel and we pick them up some days when we’re done working? Why doesn’t everyone do their jobs in the same kennel? It would be so much easier for me to watch over the litter that way? He told me that people have different jobs to do and different people who watch over the work and we can’t all stay together. He said it’s like having different Alphas for each pack we agree to be in. Mom has her Alpha at her office, Dad has an Alpha at his office and the puppies have an Alpha at their school or daycare. I thought that was interesting but didn’t totally understand. I asked, then how can you be Alpha at home and not Alpha other times? He understood and explained it better. It’s like when you are on the farm at SDP and playing there are dogs that you respect, like Walter. I agreed. Then when a person, like Megan or Maria or I ask you to do something, you comply. When Carlene gives an order everyone complies! Carlene is Alpha at SDP right? That’s different Alpha’s for different times. I guess that makes sense. I still don’t like leaving my human puppies, but we talked about it and we agree they need different socialization so they can grow up and serve their packs in the best way they can. We picked them up at their kennel, Dad says “daycare”. I was so happy to see them I almost jumped out the door they were getting in to. Dad held me back a bit until they were safely buckled in. I got pets and hugs all the way home, pretty great.

I know you’re all pulling at your chains to know what I’ve been up to. Well, it was a pretty great weekend. It started out a little slow with the humans doing some chores and resting. I was concerned at first because Dad doesn’t do the resting very well, but I’m always up for a nap. Soon after that though, Dad talked to our friends who live on a lake, and they invited us up. I liked it because I got some off lead time to play in the water with the human puppies. It was so much fun! I was so happy I started running laps around the property at full speed. I pretty well wore myself out. There was a short break for a rain storm. We stayed on a covered deck but the rain blew in. I didn’t like the feel of the wet wood so I tried to sit on a chair with the biggest human puppy; everyone howled with laughter. Something must have been funny? After the rain stopped the neighbors had a visit from a small furry dog. It barked a lot so I went over to play. It turns out it didn’t really want to play with me. Mom came running over and lead me back to Dad. We left right after that because the neighbor human was barking at me and being vicious to us saying that I attacked their dog. I think that guy had rabies or something because I was just trying to play. If I attacked the dog I would have hurt it in seconds and probably killed him. I don’t want that; I just want friends. It’s hard being less than ten months old and 108 pounds; sometimes I’m as misunderstood as my Dad with his disability. I was worried for a little while that I did something bad, but there aren’t even leash laws in that town let alone fences that would have let me know where our friends’ land ended. Dad says we won’t go back there. that’s fine with me; I didn’t feel very welcome as we left. I have to protect my pack and if that’s what it takes we will find other lakes to play in. After that we cuddled at home and took our long nap to get ready for the next day.

I slept in a bit before waking the pack for the next day. They moved a little slow. I wasn’t sure why. Dad said we weren’t going to the building to talk about the Great Spirit because we wanted to go to the farm early so I could see my biological family and play off lead again. The day was great. I watched over the human puppies on the ride up. As we got close Dad opened my window so I could smell the farm. Nothing smells like home! I had a great time running and seeing everyone. Of course, I hold a special place for Megan, but I’m sure most pups that grow up at SDP do! I checked out the outdoor fire pit and the inside of the tipi that the camera people are going to get to stay in when they come to the farm. I have to say, it is really nice in there. Dad and I spent a few minutes imagining what it would be like to have a fire in the center and a pack of friends gathered around talking about all sorts of things. We didn’t stay too long because Dad had to check on his puppies, but it will be a great spot for a meditation; really peaceful. Dad says he could really feel the love that comes from such a fabulous gift.

Later, I decided that I needed to stay close to Tye to make sure I gave him pointers that I picked over my time being a secret service dog. He seems to be doing really well so Carlene asked that we let his person help him the way my person helps me to learn so quickly. I stayed on lead for the rest of our stay, but it’s OK. I love being with Dad. We took the opportunity to get a good brush session in to clean out some of my shedding undercoat. We don’t have one of those brushes yet, but I’m going to ask to get one. After that, I had a bath which was fun because I love water and attention, it also helps that I smell much better. Thank you, Guils and Leslie for helping with that!

On the ride home we hit some traffic. I slept all the way home but Dad caught me up later when I asked what they talked about with such a long trip. He said they mostly talked about all the people who visit SDP, how wonderful everyone is and the love they feel. I said, I know, and I asked for more. He said, obviously SDP itself must be magic. That makes sense to me, like attracts like, I said. He continued and said that several people spoke up about this blog and they want me to keep telling my story. Mom and Dad are really impressed that people care, and that they care enough to say so. I asked if we should continue. He said that we could, and that we will soon get a full domain name. I’m not sure exactly when because we have a lot to do, but that also means a lot of stories to share. Get ready, I guess the circus that I wrote of earlier is coming to town everyone! I am super excited because I want to do a lot more than just share my stories. Of course, that will be a regular feature. I told Mom and Dad I have a passion to share the ability in every spirit. I was tail-wag excited to find out that we are planning to share this with all of you. There is so much that Dad has been through and so much that everyone can do just to ensure those that may not be as lucky as Dad and I to be empowered. I promise it will be fun. There is no reason to do things that aren’t.

Casper, you had a full, fun filled weekend! No wonder you slept in the car and then had another nap with your family when you got home Keep those blogs coming; love reading them. Have a wonderful rest of the week; love to you and your family. Love you, Casper! ❤

As always your posts are great. The learning experiences for both you and your humans is so interesting to read. It is amazing that you have learned so much in such a short time. Your humans love you very much and Casper, you are a special boy. Can’t wait to hear more from you. Enjoy each day and learn from every experience. It is your gift

Casper, you are a hoot and we all love you and the great job you are doing with Dad, Mom and the human puppies. I’m so sorry the pup at the lake didn’t understand about being friends but don’t fret about it. There will be many new and loving friends in your future.